Killen's never disappoints. Their beef ribs were just short of amazing. Juicy, succulent, tender. For a giant piece of meat on the bone, they worked wonders. You can ask to see the piece of rib before they cut it for you and they will happily oblige (patrons behind you might not be so thrilled with that move, but they'll live). Sides were excellent as were the mashed potatoes with white gravy on the side, green beans that were just tender enough, but also a bit crunchy. Perfect. They were seasoned with pork, so if that's not your thing, you might want to skip it. We also ordered their shareable onion rings, easily enough for three people that were huge, hot, and crispy. Let's get this out of the way, some of their prices are a little up there, but if you're anything like me, and don't frequent BBQ places often, it's a rare but enjoyable treat. Sometimes you have to splurge and live a little. Also, they have their regular sauce on tables, but you now have to ask the cashier for their sublime coffee BBQ sauce. Don't be shy, ask. It's worth it. Oh, pro tip: If you want beef ribs, the 'plate' is actually cheaper and a better deal than 'by the pound', so save a little money and get two sides. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and beef rib. - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

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I've been here several times, and honestly, about 98% of the time the food is good. That's why this visit was so disappointing. I arrived around 5:35 PM, about 25 minutes before closing, and ordered 1/2 lb of brisket and 1/2 lb of ribs. The brisket was $17, and unfortunately it was extremely greasy and so overcooked that the meat had become mushy. It still had good flavor, but the texture was nothing like the brisket I've normally gotten here. Judging by what I received, it felt like I may have gotten what was left at the end of the day. The ribs were $12, and my "1/2 lb" consisted of two individual ribs. They tasted good, but they weren't nearly as tender as I've had here before. I paid about $29 just for the meat, and for that price I expected much better quality and portioning. I understand that I came close to closing time, but I still paid full price and should receive the same quality of food as any other customer. If the brisket is past its best or there isn't enough left to make a proper order, I'd rather be told that so I can order something else. I'm not writing the place off because they've been good to me many times before. But this particular order was definitely not up to their usual standard, and the pictures speak for themselves. read more

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Food is still very good with everything ranging between 4&5 out of 5 stars. This goes for the meats and the sides. The review is more for the service has taken a hit since our last visit. We don't leave a review every time but felt that the slip deserves an update. Was not very busy compared to what I consider the norm here but there was weak communication at the order line. Some of our food was not ordered even though I heard the first guy call it out. The people that handle the sides were soft spoken and mumbling. And the tip culture . I walk thru the line, carry my own food, get my own drinks, clean up afterwards and you suggest a 20% tip at checkout??? Yall can program these payment terminals any way you want. Killen's pay your employees and stop expecting the customer to pay them. read more

Killen's Barbecue - 2 meat plate - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

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This establishment was recommended to me by an avid BBQ connoisseur + they have a Michelin star. We waited in line for about 30 minutes before getting to the counter to put in our order. The restaurant is cute and they do their best to keep the service consistent throughout the entire visit. The BBQ was a little dry but good. The disappointing part of the trip were the sides. 95% of the sides had pork in them which made the entire wait not worth it. This was my first time visiting and it will be my last. read more

We arrived early and there was a short line. We ordered our food and my brother and I got the wage beef rib. Absolutely amazing! I highly recommend if you want something that is over the top. My wife had the tacos and I ate one and it was really good. I had brisket and it was soft and flavorful. I only had the beans as a side and they were okay. Service was excellent and the overall ambiance was nice. If you want good bbq, order anything off their menu. You want something epic, get the beef rib. The best I have ever tasted. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Waiting to enter - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

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Owner Ronnie Killen, was a runner up for White House. I love his cooking. One of these days, I hope to get chicken. It's ways sold out. read more

I felt like the bark on the brisket and the ribs were thicker than the ones at other restaurants. The ribs were bit on the dryer side than what I usually like. The baked potato was pretty good. Cream corn was good. Their coleslaw was probably my least favorite that I've had. We went on a Friday for dinner and they did table service which definitely threw my brain off for a second but it works. Makes them different than other places. They use Snake River Farms beef but to be honest I don't think I was able to personally tell a difference. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

Tried the beef rib plate and brisket. I thought the beef rib was very underwhelming, as it was dry. I've eaten at many Texas BBQ restaurants, and this was the first dry beef rib I've ever had. The brisket was from the point, but also a little on the dry side. I also wasn't a fan of the sides (thought the cream corn was better than mac and cheese which was very runny). read more

Killen's Barbecue - BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

Excellent Texan bbq. We stopped by for lunch after our cruise. Two parking lots one to the side and one in the back. Our group of 7 ordered: Two lbs of brisket: 5/5 nice Smokey flavor, delicious! Beef ribs: 5/5 super tender fall off the bones. Excellent flavor. Collard greens: 5/5 tasty! Mac n cheese: 5/5 nice thick creamy cheesy! Excellent! Coleslaw: 5/5 very good Chicken wings fries: 3.5/5 this was ok Bread pudding: 5/5 amazing flavor! Loved it so much we ordered more at the hobby location! So happy that our last meal in Houston was amazing! On par with Terry Black's! read more

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Ehhh....this BBQ was just okay. I'm a huge brisket fan and this missed the mark. Something about the taste just didn't do it for me. Or maybe it was because I asked for moist and the pieces were still tough to chew? Not sure :/ However, I did enjoy the ribs -- the sausage was just okay too. Out of the sides, I liked the baked beans mostly. Customer service was just ok as well. The staff barely spoke as I came in and people seemed all over the place. Will not return, honestly. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

Bbq was fantastic, food is ready in seconds. What more can you ask for? The bbq chicken was probably the juiciest chicken I've ever had read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

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The food was great! We got the burnt pork belly ends, baked potato with lean brisket, and a brisket plate. All the food was delicious, they have their bbq sauce in the table which we really enjoyed. Only think to note is on certain days in the evenings, they mainly go by reservations as they do table service. We got lucky that we only had a 15 mins without knowing about this. Our waiter Julian was great, he was constantly checking up on us and refilling our drinks when needed! read more

Killen's Barbecue - Baked Potato With Meat - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

The best, most delicious and flavorful BBQ I've tasted! The plates are generously served, and the beef rib actually had a lot of meat on it -- which is rare. Most places I've tried serve skinny ribs with barely any meat. Overall, the ambience, food, and experience were amazing. Definitely coming back! read more

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Visited Houston and this was our first bbq spot! The banana pudding and beef ribs were the highlight for me, but the brisket and burnt ends were also delicious! Will definitely be back to have this place again if I am in town! read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

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Still one of my favorite restaurant to bring my out-of-town friends. The beef melts like butter in your mouth. Got the beef ribs, burnt ends, and brisket. All so delicious! Beef ribs were our favorite. Line moves quickly. Plenty of parking. 10/10! read more

The brisket is my absolute favorite. It's perfectly tender, insanely flavorful, and exactly what Texas barbecue dreams are made of. And the sides? Just as impressive. The mashed potatoes are creamy and comforting, the mac and cheese is rich and cheesy, the coleslaw is perfectly balanced, and the creamy corn is perfection. We even got a little tour cause we saw the cook making the meat ready to be smoked and he showed us around. Super cool! And such a nice man! read more

Killen's Barbecue - Sausage * - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

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The service was spectacular--everyone was incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The atmosphere was casual, clean, and comfortable. We ordered the two-meat plate with two sides and chose the pork ribs and brisket. Both meats were tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The sides were just as impressive, especially the cream corn, which was easily my favorite and definitely a must-try. We also started with the fried mac and cheese, which was crispy on the outside and creamy, cheesy, and rich on the inside. Overall, everything was delicious, and I would definitely come back again. read more

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Killen's Barbecue is definitely one of the top BBQ spots in houston. I personally think the drive to Pearland is worth!! The brisket was tender and juicy with that perfect smoky bark, and the ribs practically fell off the bone. The sides were just as solid and omg especially the creamed corn and mac & cheese. They're so creamy and delicious!! Service was fast and friendly even though the line was long (which is always a good sign to me). The price is on the higher side but also its bbq so definitely worth paying premium. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

For living in Texas I was never really the biggest BBQ fan. The lines are long, the dishes are over priced, and the tastes would just fall short of the mark for me... but Killen's helped change my mind Sure there is still going to be a line, and the meal isn't exactly inexpensive, but I was delighted with the flavors and the meal itself Located in Pearland, this BBQ location is worth the visit. There's plenty of parking, there's a covered outdoor eating area, and the interior is deceptively spacious. There's entryway leading to the order counter will probably have a line, and if it gets too long they will ask that anyone outside the door leave the door closed until there is room inside to keep the restaurant nice and cool. I will also say the interior is more trendy, clean, and inviting than some of the other BBQ spots that use a more rustic vibe The menu has all the classic meat and side offerings. There are specials and deals. Everything is presented on a digital menu above the line or written within eyesight The line went relatively quickly. The staff were friendly and efficient. And the meal was delicious. This was some of the best brisket and turkey I've ever had at a BBQ place. VERY tender and flavorful Some tips: I'm a sauce guy, and I really appreciated the varieties of BBQ put out at every table. The tangy Carolina mustard-esque sauce was my favorite. Also, if you want extra bread just ask, and if you want to make a brisket sandwich on your own, ask them to shop the brisket and they will and place it in a bowl for you. They are also have Togo and catering options Cheers!! read more

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Hello, I am writing regarding an unpleasant experience my family and I had on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at approximately 4:40 p.m. Our party consisted of nine adults and two children, including a baby. We had already begun placing our order, and since only one person was paying, there was no reason for every member of our group to remain in line. Additionally, one of the adults in our party is legally blind, and we also had a baby with us, so a few family members sat down while the order was being placed. We understand your policy regarding not reserving tables, and we were not attempting to reserve tables. We were already ordering our food, and there were plenty of available tables throughout the dining area. Even other customers nearby were kind enough to help my family get situated. Unfortunately, the employees at the register and the employee who was cleaning tables approached us in a rude and unprofessional manner. The employee cleaning tables came to our table and stated that table reservations were not allowed, despite the fact that we were already in the process of ordering. The way they addressed my family was unnecessary and lacked basic courtesy and understanding of the circumstances. I would like to point out that the employees who actually took our order were polite, professional, and provided excellent customer service. My concern is specifically with the employee at the register and the employee cleaning the tables, whose behavior reflected poorly on your establishment. I hope this feedback is taken seriously. A customer service refresher or additional training on how to handle situations with empathy and professionalism--especially when families include young children or individuals with disabilities--would be beneficial. read more

This is the best BBQ I've had in my life, no questions asked. It's a must go spot every time I'm back home, and everything from the Mac and cheese to the pork ribs are insanely good. Portion sizes are in line with Texas expectations. We left the restaurant with belts unbuckled and meat sweats pouring down. Ambiance is great as well! Servers are nice, line moves fast, and there is plenty of room to dine inside. Would highly recommend. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

Unusually, after returning from a vacation in the Bahamas, I had a layover at Houston's Hobby Airport. My arrival and departure gate was right across from Killen's Barbecue, and the amazing aroma caught my attention. After a quick stop at the restroom, I decided to check out their menu. As a native Texan born in Dallas, I absolutely love barbecue--so what could go wrong? I opted for a baked potato topped with chopped beef. Unfortunately, the brisket was a bit dry, and the potato was undercooked, which made for a disappointing meal. On the bright side, the barbecue sauce was tasty. If I find myself at Hobby Airport again, I'd probably give Killen's another chance and try a different dish before writing them off completely. read more

Killen's Barbecue - baked potato with chopped beef - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

While visiting here for work I was told to give this place a try because the BBQ was great. I've tried it twice now. You walk through the front door and look at the menus on the monitors. Then you proceed forward to order your food. The servers and staff behind the counter are friendly and patient. The first time I went I got to be 2 meat plate with two veggies. I chose the brisket and pork ribs for my meat and the greens and cheddar broccoli rice. The second time I got the baked potato, fully loaded, with brisket. Both meals were delicious! A co-worker had the beef ribs with the mac and cheese corn. He also said it was all very good! The ambiance is very causal and the restaurant is very clean! I'll definitely be back! read more

Killen's Barbecue - Baked potato with brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

The food was ok, the Brisket Sandwich a bit dry for my taste. My Companion had the Pulled Pork Sandwich, she said it was good but didn't care for the Potato Salad. Service was good and quick serviced from steam tables. Employees friendly but quiet. Casual dining but a bit loud. The restaurant was clean. Lots of parking. But 54$ for two Sandwiches, one with 2 sides it a bit much. read more

3/5 because - $19.92 for a to go chopped brisket sandwich (only). Listen, it was good - that's why I'll go three stars, but omg $20 for only the sandwich?? Where am I, Times Square? Insane. I didn't get a side or a drink and got one tiny container of bbq sauce. Come on. read more

I was carving BBQ and decided to go here for take-out. We ordered the 3 meat plate with 2 sides and bread for about $35. We had 1 lbs each of brisket, ribs and jalapeños sausage for dinner. The brisket was very tender and moist, little fatty but the flavors were really good. The homemade bbq sauce is very good and I they offer a variety if you prefer vinegar savory or more sweet taste. I tried the Mac & Cheese and Brussels sprouts. I preferred the sprouts over the Mac as it didn't taste homemade. Tastes more like velveeta cheese whiz and needs some real cheddar to balance. Not bad for the price and value but would have liked an extra slice of lean brisket. Overall, bbq was really good and sides okay. I would go back to try the other proteins and more sides. Final thoughts, the brisket and sausage is the star of the show so give it a try if you're in the areas. The Best Foodie review! read more

Killen's Barbecue - 3 Meat Plate; brisket, bbq ribs, jalapeño sausage and 2 sided Mac & Cheese & Brussels Sprouts - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

Right place, right time, that rare moment when every. single. thing. is sheer perfection. It probably helped that we knew what to avoid, lol. It was a meal to remember though!! read more

Supported Killen's BBQ over the years, but this recent meal ain't it. Love the convenience of online orders instead of waiting in line. Sides (pint size): potato salad, coleslaw, & mac & cheese (best out of the 3 sides) Moist brisket (1lb) was delicious! For the cost of the beef rib (1 1/4), it was SO DISAPPOINTING. Likely overcooked; it was dry & tough to chew. Probably won't be back for a while. Hopefully there's some improvement in the future. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

I came here with my toastmasters friends after a contest at the library. It's customary to eat after meetings. Someone suggested bbq. So, here we are. I couldn't believe I had never been to Killen's Barbecue before. It's one of the Texas famous bbq restaurants. The gps sent me to the street corner past the parking lot entrance. I had no choice but park behind the restaurant. I assume they share with the church. We got there like an hour before closing. They sold out of briskets, chicken, pulled pork and something else. I normally don't go out of my way to eat bbq. So, first thing I thought was I'll just order side dishes. I went to the counter inquire about nachos which normally brisket nachos. What could it be without brisket. He said, "we have brisket". Huh? But sign said you ran out. "Ok, I changed my mind. I'll get brisket tacos, instead." I also ordered a side of Brussels sprouts. The food was good. But tacos were just chopped brisket on a piece on tortilla, 3 of them. With pico de gallo and mildest salsa verde on the side. I had to drizzle Tabasco sauce to season them. We were not rushed out after the restaurant closed and they kept the music playing except turned off the air conditioning. I would come back if I'm in the area and have a crave for bbq food. read more

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The beef was sooooo greasy. The pulled pork was good but too sweet. The sauces were OK but nothing to exciting. The Mac and cheese was good. Service was good - friendly staff. Meh. read more

Great Texas barbecue restaurant. I see that it's a popular place to come for lunch after church as well. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

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I came in to Killen's Barbecue about three days ago with my partner. The restaurant itself was very clean and organized and despite the line, service was fast, efficient, and friendly. My partner had the brisket sandwich with potato salad and a small helping of pickles and pickled red onions and I had the pulled pork tacos. My partner said the brisket sandwich was okay, but we both agreed that the potato salad was fantastic! The potato salad was way better than the one at Pappas Barbecue. The taste of the pulled pork tacos was great, but it was honestly too wet and made the flour tortillas too soggy and there was way too much coleslaw on top. I feel like if Killen's is going to serve pulled pork tacos there needs to be three things done. 1. Serve the tacos with an option of corn tortillas because I feel corn tortillas would've worked better to give a great contrast/pairing with the sweetness of the pulled pork and sauce. 2. Serve the corn/flour tortillas on the side so that they don't get soggy and wet. 3. There are some things that just don't belong on a taco of any kind and that's coleslaw. My partner and I also tasted the banana pudding and to say it was divine is an understatement. What I really like about this pudding was that you could taste real bananas in this pudding and it had been mixed well all together. Our total was $80 after tipping, which is a little pricey for some of the items, but honestly I would definitely come back to Killen's Barbecue when I was in the mood for barbecue. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

Been a Killens Barbecue customer since the opening, I don't know how long ago! Service: cafeteria style. Ambiance: happy people eating delicious barbecue with country music playing. Today, I had the barbecued chicken, collard greens and creamed corn! All very flavorful and delicious. The chicken was so tender and the sauce was caramelized onto the chicken skin. YUM! The greens are a little bit spicy and pickley. So good! The corn was really good too. But the star of the show today, the bread pudding! It was perfect, just sweet enough. Warm and the sauce, warm and just enough! read more

Killen's Barbecue - Bread pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

Food was really good loved the sides of mac and cheese and the cream corn. BRISKET WAS TOP DOG. I DREAM ABOUT THAT. service is fast and seating is great. Easy going environment. Sausage was alright a little to tough for my liking. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Brisket and sausage - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

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Talking about very good barbecue would definitely recommend this place. If you're in the area the burnt ends is where it's at. Ended up ordering 1 pound of Burtains to take with me and a side of mashed potatoes and gravy. You will not be disappointed if you're looking for a good barbecue and you're in the area. Definitely check this place out. Staff was very welcoming very helpful. It was not packed since we came on a Tuesday evening right before they close. Will stop by here to grab some burnt ends and mashed potato to fly back home with definitely will recommend read more

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The line builds pretty quick but I have had killers on my bucket list to try for a while. You WANT to get there early according to what my boyfriend told me which I'm now aware right at about 11:00am. Super casual and friendly staff. We got of course the brisket, broccoli cheese casserole, pork loin, and ribs. I'm not a big pork person but he wanted me to try it because he believes it to be the best. The brisket was 10/10 for me. I will absolutely go back. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Taste testing - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

Review: Solid Smoke from a Texas Monthly Top 100 Winner This family-style barbecue joint, which boasts the prestigious title of a "Texas Monthly Top 100 BBQ awards" winner, offers a relaxed, sit-down dining experience with plenty of seating. While reservations are available, the ample space suggests walk-ins are welcome. The overall impression is that this is a spot delivering a consistent, reliable BBQ experience--good, but perhaps not the groundbreaking culinary journey some might expect from a Top 100 contender. The Meats: Hits, Standards, and Surprises The Brisket delivered a nice, assertive smoke flavor and a satisfyingly crusty salt and pepper bark. The only minor flaw was a texture that edged toward mushy, but overall, it was a respectable slice. The standard Ribs were exactly what most people look for: fall-off-the-bone tender with a good bit of chew and a standard, appealing glaze. They were a pretty standard offering. For the Sausage, we sampled the basic double-grind beef, as the popular jalapeño and cheese option was unfortunately sold out. It featured a great snap to the casing and a mild, pleasant pepper flavor--a good, basic sausage. The undisputed champion of the meal, however, was the Brisket Burnt Ends. These were a highlight, featuring an excellent crunch on the bark and incredibly tasty, fatty pork flavor, perfectly balanced by a sweet honey glaze. They are a must-try. Finally, we tried the French Toast Brisket Sandwich. This item is certainly polarizing. While the sugary, churro-like combination of sweet bread and savory brisket didn't win me over personally, my wifey thoroughly enjoyed it, and it proved sturdy enough to take home for a second meal. The Sides: Room for Elevation While the meats were reliably good, the sides were consistently characterized as standard and in need of elevation. The Creamed Corn, while tasty, was fairly standard and could benefit greatly from additional seasoning to make it stand out. Similarly, the Broccoli Cheese Casserole and Mac and Cheese both delivered standard, acceptable flavors but were ultimately bland. Neither side offered the spicy kick or unique twist that would elevate them above their competitors. They taste okay, but they won't be the reason you remember the meal. The Verdict This restaurant is an excellent destination if you are looking for a reliable, family-friendly, everyday BBQ meal. It's good, the portions are satisfying, and the service (sit-down ordering) is efficient. However, if you are seeking an adventurous culinary experience that stands out dramatically above the competition in the crowded Texas BBQ scene, this spot might not fully deliver. It's a solid choice, but doesn't necessarily rise above its competitors. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

Nice place to eat at, liked it a lot. Long lines but definitely worth it. Food was fast and the brisket is nice. Would come again.

My first time ever ordering takeout food from Killens restaurant. There was 7 orders placed at Killens from 7 different operators that I work with here at the plant. I ordered the two meat plate. I had the lean and moist brisket. I really enjoyed the taste of the brisket and for my sides I had double order of Mac n cheese. The Mac n cheese was delicious along with the brisket. The service was really good. Be it my first time doing an online order I messed up and I received a call from the restaurant so they could better understand what I was ordering. They fixed my order over the phone with no further delays and even credited my order. I did t visit the location for pick up I will in the future. Now the only thing I did care for from my order was the BBQ sauce. I did t care for the taste or flavor of the sauce. Other people might like the taste but being from Texas I wasn't accustomed to the sweet different taste of that sauce. Maybe if they had a different tasting bbq sauce like the one I get from Hinzes BBQ in Wharton Texas the dipping would've been different. Out of the 7 orders only 2 people cared for the bbq sauce and 5 didn't. All in all the flavor of the spices used in their Brisket is second to none. I will definitely visit the restaurant in person and would recommend my family and friends to give it a try! read more

Killen's Barbecue - The BBQ sauce is too sweet! - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

I've never had a bad meal at Killens bbq. Their brisket is amazing ! The smoke ring is gorgeous, the bark is perfect. The meat to fat ratio is on point for me and it's always tender how I like it. This time we got some jalapeño sausage too. This sausage has lots of cheese and jalapeños in it. We happened to get the very last one they have so honestly of u want to try this. Potato salad and Mac's and cheese has always been perfect. I like it all with the tangy sauce. Parking was packed in the front , we found parking near the bbq pit in the back. Plenty of parking spaces. read more

Killen's Barbecue - Best brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Pearland, Texas

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